The pet care industry is a lucrative business to get into, but it is a challenging one to tap into. Those who decide to haphazardly get into the pet care business in Las Vegas without a solid plan end up failing most of the time. Mainly because people think that being a pet lover is enough to start a pet care business, but turning your love for pets into a business means dealing with certifications, licenses, payroll, and other costs.
Here are some of the important things to know before starting a pet center business in Las Vegas
Choose the Scope of Your Business
Before starting your pet care business, you have to consider what type of service you’re willing to offer. You have to know that there is a big difference between being a dog walker and a multi-animal boarding business. The space requirements and certifications needed vary.
Create a Business Plan
A business plan will serve as your guide throughout your process of starting your business. It will include the business name, the scope of services, the number of employees, the marketing campaign, and the budget. While you are drafting your business plan, it would be wise to secure the help of someone knowledgeable about the business. During this stage of planning, you may also want to look at the local and state requirements for starting your pet care business.
In Las Vegas, pet shops must have a business license and must comply with licensing requirements and reporting, including inspections and audits.
Scout a Location
Your location should complement your goals. For instance, if you’re looking at, including boarding, grooming, and training of animals, your space should be big enough to accommodate all animals. To get an idea of your space requirements, take the time to tour pet shops around the area. Once you’ve found the space that meets your needs, inquire in the city hall about zoning regulation and other pertinent restrictions to make sure you’re not violating any laws.
Do a Feasibility Study
Aside from scouting an area for your spatial needs, take the time to see the demographics of the people living in the area. Get to know your competition and see what you can offer that will benefit your target customers. It is crucial to ensure that you have a customer base that can sustain your business. Being a new player means that you have to provide an option so people will consider you over long-standing pet shops in the area.
Review Your Budget and Financing
Depending on your needs, you have to think about how much money you’re willing to shell out for this business. Are you ready to take out a loan to finance the business? Will you shoulder all the costs? Are you working with a partner/s? If yes, how much should each one contribute? If getting a business loan, it’s best to start with the one you already have a good relationship with.
Invest in Your Certifications
While not all pet care businesses need certifications, they are useful in terms of edging out your competition. Besides, you have to be knowledgeable in your industry, and any form of education or training can help you boost your confidence and authority.
Create Your Policies
To make your pet care business in Las Vegas successful, you have to come up with policies. You have to establish your workflow and business hours. Your pricing should be competitive but still sustainable. Your system should include the handling of client payments. It must also detail liabilities and responsibilities in the contracts. Don’t forget to include basic emergency and contingency plans, including getting a veterinarian to work with, preparing a vet release form, and pet guardianship from clients to protect against unwanted accidents.
Secure Business Licenses and Inspections
Pet care businesses in Las Vegas are required to maintain a business license and shall open their shop for inspection bi-annually by an animal control officer. Pet care businesses must also have their premises inspected before they receive their initial business license.
Never Forget Your Taxes
As a business, you always have to put taxes on your calendar of obligations. Check what types of payroll taxes you have to pay. In Las Vegas, pet care business owners do not have to pay business taxes, but they have to prepare payroll tax reports.
Market Your Business
A pet care business is one of the top 10 businesses to start in Las Vegas. That said, the competition is tough. You have to start selling yourself by highlighting what you can offer better than the rest. One of the most efficient ways you can edge out your competition is by getting a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Vegas accreditation. This accreditation will let your customers know that you are a reliable and legitimate business. You can also use different marketing tools to get your business out there, especially since you are still new in the industry, and you are yet to build your customer base. One of the effective advertising technique you can use is giving your target customers an in-depth look at your business through 360° Advertising.
Final Word of Advice
Business owners who know their business from top to bottom are the ones who end up being successful. Knowing the industry, its coverage, and the pitfalls can save them from a lot of trouble. Before starting a pet care business in Las Vegas, think through all the tips enumerated above and see whether the business is right for you.
